Fuwa on Japan-U.S. Defense Strategy Council

On November 6, Japanese Communist Party Central Committee Chair Fuwa Tetsuzo in a speech in Kyoto commented on the Japan-U.S. Defense Strategy Council (which is scheduled to hold its second meeting in Tokyo later in November):

"I've heard that after the general election, Dietmembers with vested interests in 'national defense', from both the Liberal Democratic Party and the Democratic Party of Japan, will convene a meeting in Tokyo with U.S. military experts to discuss Japan-U.S. security strategy and arms buildup.

"The Japan-U.S. Defense Security Strategy Council is sponsored or supported by military industry firms, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries of Japan, and Lockheed, Grumman, and Boeing of the United States.

"A major subject that is expected to dominate the discussion is the so-called missile defense system, which will cost over 6 trillion yen (54.5 billion dollars) once it's introduced.

"It is appalling that the meeting to discuss arms buildup is going to take place at the Parliamentary Museum and that a full-size model of the missile defense system, including Aegis ships, will be exhibited in the Parliamentary Museum that is dedicated to the defense of the Constitution.

"The fact of the matter is that the LDP and the DPJ are now working closely with business circles on adversely revising the Constitution and pushing ahead with Japan's arms buildup. The DPJ voted for the wartime legislation apparently under the strong influence of the military lobbyist coalition. The military lobbyists are beginning discussions on details of plans to drive Japan into a major arms buildup with the support of war industries in Japan and the United States." (end)